Maple Walnut Snack Cake
This one-layer maple walnut cake is the ideal solution for a snack attack. Serve it with ice cream and drizzle with maple syrup or warm butterscotch sauce.
This maple walnut snack cake is everything a quick homemade treat should be—simple to mix, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Dark maple syrup brings warm, rich sweetness, while the walnuts add a little crunch in every bite.
It’s a cozy, one-layer cake that works as a dessert, afternoon snack, or even a sweet brunch addition. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with ice cream and a drizzle of warm maple syrup for something extra indulgent.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Easy one-layer cake. No fuss, no stacking—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Maple-forward flavor. Dark maple syrup gives it deep, robust sweetness.
Perfect texture. Light crumb from the whipped egg whites with crunch from walnuts.
Versatile serving options. Serve plain or dress it up with sauces or ice cream.
Ingredient Notes
- Egg whites – Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten the batter.
- Maple syrup – Dark or robust syrup provides the best flavor.
- Cake flour – Keeps the crumb tender and soft.
- Walnuts – Add texture and nutty flavor; toast them for even more depth.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the maple flavor and moisture.
Steps to Make Maple Walnut Snack Cake
- Prepare the pan and heat the oven.
- Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Cream the butter and sugar, then add the maple syrup.
- Mix the dry ingredients and add them alternately with the milk.
- Fold in the egg whites and walnuts.
- Spread the batter in the pan and bake until done.
- Cool, remove the parchment, and serve as desired.
Tips
- Whip the egg whites just until stiff—overbeating can make folding difficult.
- Use dark (robust) maple syrup for the strongest flavor.
- Toast the walnuts briefly for deeper nutty notes.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Recipe Variations
- Maple glaze. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and maple syrup glaze.
- Add spice. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a fall twist.
- Nut swap. Replace walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
- Buttermilk version. Substitute buttermilk for a slightly tangier crumb.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream.
- Pair with hot coffee or tea.
- Add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or butterscotch.
- Garnish with extra chopped walnuts.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist thanks to the maple syrup.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you love maple syrup flavors, you might also like these pumpkin doughnuts with maple glaze or this easy maple cinnamon French toast.
Maple Walnut Snack Cake
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light, packed
- 3/4 cup maple syrup, dark, robust
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch square pan. Cut out a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to line the bottom of the pan; grease the paper.
- In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter with the brown sugar; add the syrup.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir with a whisk of spoon to blend thoroughly.
- Add the dry ingredients to creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Fold the beaten egg whites and walnuts into the batter.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
- Carefully turn the cake out onto a rack and remove the parchment or wax paper.
- When the cake is cool, frost or glaze as desired or cut it into squares and serve with ice cream and maple syrup or dessert sauce.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
